But such annoyances can (almost) be set aside when treated to the dynamic contributions of set designer David Korins, costume designer Paul Tazewell and lighting designer Ken Billington, who each combine glittering fantasy and urban grit to provide a playground for Andy Blankenbuehler's dancers to dazzle as they impersonate flowers, winged creatures, brick roads and whipping winds. And with Alex Lacamoire conducting 22 pieces through Harold Wheeler's funked up orchestrations, Encores!'s The Wiz smoothly eases over the occasional bump in the road.
Photos by Robert J. Saferstein: Top: LaChanze and Ashanti; Bottom: Joshua Henry and Ashanti